Footage of the Carrauntoohil cross being felled has been released to the media and is now being examined by gardaí.

A video of the incident was sent to TheJournal.ie earlier today and shows an unidentified individual cutting the cross at the base with an angle grinder. The cross is seen falling later in the video.

The Journal reports that the footage was passed on to detectives in Kilorglin who said it a “new development” in the investigation.

Gardai are now examining the footage as they investigate the November 22 incident.

There are several anti-Catholic protest messages in the five minute video. The focus of the messages appears to have been on the Catholic Church’s ownership of primary schools in Ireland. One message reads: “If you agree with the reasons behind this act then like and share this video. I am a parent, not affiliated to any(one).”

The cross was returned to its position at the peak of the mountain at the weekend, with a team of volunteers undertaking the task. Atheist Ireland condemned the felling of the cross, but objected to it being returned to its original place, asking that planning permission be required as the cross did not represent the entire community.